Loading water data...
Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 25 cities in Iowa
Across the 25 Iowa water systems we track, the average water quality score is 83/100 — 11 points above the U.S. national average of 72/100. 80% of Iowa cities (20 of 25) score above that national benchmark, and 12 earn a Grade A for clean, low-contaminant tap water.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Iowa water systems are nitrates (fertilizer and manure runoff), atrazine and other herbicides (row-crop agriculture) and bacteria (shallow rural wells). See the full breakdown in our Iowa water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Iowa
62,799 residents
27,338 residents
68,723 residents
24,469 residents
74,828 residents
27,790 residents
66,258 residents
67,887 residents
21,470 residents
24,505 residents
101,724 residents
24,385 residents
41,535 residents
24,858 residents
23,797 residents
22,318 residents
85,797 residents
39,102 residents
41,566 residents
67,314 residents
59,667 residents
45,779 residents
214,133 residents
24,000 residents
137,710 residents
Iowa's water quality is shaped overwhelmingly by agriculture. As one of the most intensively farmed states in the country, Iowa faces persistent challenges with nitrate runoff from corn and soybean fields and livestock operations. Many public systems, especially those drawing from the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, must treat for elevated nitrates, and Des Moines Water Works operates one of the largest nitrate-removal facilities in the world.
Based on our analysis of 25 cities in Iowa, the average water quality score is 83/100. 3 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Cedar Rapids with a score of 64/100, while Council Bluffs has the most room for improvement at 96/100.
3 of the 25 Iowa cities we analyzed score below 70/100. If your city is one of them, a certified filter matched to your local contaminants is the fastest way to reduce exposure. For lead and PFAS, look for an NSF 53 certified filter or a reverse osmosis system.
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Iowa communities draw from a mix of surface water (the Des Moines, Raccoon, Iowa, and Cedar rivers) and alluvial and deep bedrock aquifers including the Jordan and Dakota aquifers. Roughly 80% of Iowans rely on groundwater, but the largest cities such as Des Moines and Cedar Rapids depend heavily on river water that is vulnerable to seasonal nitrate spikes.
These contaminants have been detected in various Iowa water systems
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources administers the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and runs Iowa's source water protection programs. Iowa has invested in nitrate monitoring and voluntary agricultural conservation practices through its Nutrient Reduction Strategy, though nitrate remains the state's defining water quality issue.
Nitrate is the central health concern in Iowa, as levels above 10 mg/L can cause methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome') in infants and have been studied for links to certain cancers. Families with infants should be especially cautious in agricultural areas and with private wells. Shallow rural wells are also vulnerable to bacterial contamination after heavy rain.
Iowa residents on private wells should test annually for nitrate and bacteria, and more often after flooding. For nitrate removal, reverse osmosis or anion-exchange systems are effective; standard carbon pitcher filters do not remove nitrate. Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report during spring and early summer when river nitrate levels typically peak.
Most Iowa cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 83/100 across 25 cities we analyzed, Iowa generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Iowa include nitrates (fertilizer and manure runoff), atrazine and other herbicides (row-crop agriculture), bacteria (shallow rural wells). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 3 cities in Iowa showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Iowa are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Iowa water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Iowa. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Iowa city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Cedar Rapids has the highest water quality score in Iowa at 64/100 (Grade C). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Iowa page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Iowa are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area